Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of Oahu without the early morning rush, a late breakfast cruise along Waikiki Beach might just be your ticket. This experience offers a laid-back approach to sightseeing, combining good food with the chance to see dolphins, whales, and turtles in their natural habitat. While it’s not the most adrenaline-pumping activity, it’s a lovely option if you prefer your mornings slow and scenic.

What we like about this cruise is how it strikes a balance between comfort and adventure. First, the delicious onboard breakfast stands out — think fresh local flavors and quality coffee — and the views of Diamond Head and Honolulu from the water are particularly memorable. Plus, the opportunity to spot wildlife adds a wild touch that makes the experience feel more authentic.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have faced challenges, like cancellations or inconsistent service. The experience seems well-suited for those who value a relaxed vibe, good food, and scenic sightseeing over rapid-paced activities or structured tours. If you’re a slow riser and love the idea of sipping coffee while watching the ocean, this cruise could be a delightful addition to your Hawaiian itinerary.

Key Points

• Relaxed Start: Perfect for late risers who want a scenic, leisurely morning.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and turtles make it more than just a meal.
• Delicious Food: Local Hawaiian dishes and quality coffee offer a tasty onboard experience.
• Stunning Views: From Diamond Head to Waikiki, the ocean views are a true highlight.
• Variable Reviews: Some guests had canceled bookings or mixed service experiences.
• Value for Price: At around $97 per person, it’s a decent cost for a scenic breakfast cruise, especially with wildlife sightings.

What to Expect from the Late Breakfast Cruise

This cruise departs from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd at 9:00 am, giving you a relaxed start to your day. The vessel, the Prince Kuhio, is a comfortable boat capable of holding up to 100 guests, which means it’s not overly crowded but also lively enough for a convivial atmosphere.

Once onboard, you’ll be greeted with a warm Hawaiian welcome as you settle into your seat on the upper deck or outside. The cruise lasts about an hour and a half, cruising along Waikiki Beach toward Diamond Head, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and your breakfast.

The Itinerary in Detail

The journey begins with a gentle cruise along the Waikiki coastline, which is a fantastic way to see the city awakening. Early in the morning, the water is often calm, making for a smooth ride that’s ideal for those prone to motion sickness (though it’s worth noting that this experience isn’t recommended for travelers with unmanageable motion sickness).

As the boat heads toward Diamond Head, you’ll have unobstructed views of the iconic volcanic crater, with Honolulu slowly coming to life in the background. The main highlight here is the opportunity to spot wildlife — from playful dolphins to migrating whales, and even Hawaiian sea turtles. One review enthusiastically shared, “We saw some beautiful views, and a huge pod of dolphins, which was just awesome.”

The onboard breakfast features some thoughtfully prepared Hawaiian favorites, including Island Fresh Sweet Taro Bread French Toast topped with Lilikoi or Strawberry Syrup, alongside a side of fresh fruit. The menu also includes Captain John’s Island Loco Moco, made with tender roasted short rib, eggs, rice, and gravy, plus freshly brewed Kona coffee straight from the Big Island’s own plantation. Reviewers have generally appreciated the food, describing it as “good” and “delicious,” with one mentioning it as the highlight of their morning.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

One of the biggest draws of this cruise is wildlife watching. While whale sightings depend on the season, dolphins are more common, and some guests have been lucky enough to see spinner dolphins doing their acrobatic spins. The chance to see these creatures in their natural environment adds that special touch to the experience.

The views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, and Honolulu’s skyline are spectacular, especially when you’re up on the deck with fresh ocean air. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, this cruise offers a genuine sense of Hawaiian beauty.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Relaxed, leisurely morning – ideal for slow risers or those wanting a relaxed start.
• Great for wildlife enthusiasts – dolphins and whales are often spotted.
• Delectable Hawaiian breakfast – quality food that showcases local flavors.
• Beautiful scenery – ocean views, Diamond Head, and Waikiki’s coastline.
• Good value – considering the food and experience, $96.86 is reasonable.

Cons

• Unpredictable bookings – some reviews mention cancellations, sometimes with little notice.
• Variable service quality – some travelers found crew engagement and service inconsistent.
• Weather dependence – poor weather can cancel the cruise, so keep an eye on the forecast.
• Limited duration – at just 1.5 hours, it’s a short experience, which might feel too brief for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is most suited for travelers who enjoy laid-back mornings, beautiful scenery, and local food. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed, scenic experience over high-energy adventures, you’ll likely enjoy this cruise. It’s also a good option for wildlife lovers, especially if you’re visiting during whale season or want to see dolphins in their natural habitat.

However, if punctuality and consistent service are your priorities, you might want to have a backup plan, as cancellations and variable experiences have been reported. This tour can also be a family-friendly outing—not because it’s specifically marketed as a kid-focused activity, but because it’s gentle and scenic enough for most ages.

Final Thoughts

The Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu offers a charming way to start your day with good food, outstanding ocean views, and the chance to see Hawaiian wildlife in a relaxed setting. It’s not a high-octane adventure, but if you’re after a peaceful morning on the water with a tasty meal and stunning scenery, it could be a highlight of your trip.

The experience’s value depends a lot on weather, the crew, and how lucky you are with wildlife sightings, but the combination of easy-going comfort and beautiful surroundings makes it worth considering. Just be prepared for possible cancellations or service hiccups, and book in advance to secure your spot.

If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic, and tasty morning cruise that blends nature with local cuisine, this might be just what you need to enjoy Oahu’s waters without the rush.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the gentle pace and scenic views make it suitable for most ages. Just keep in mind that the cruise lasts about an hour and a half, so very young children might need some extra attention.

What is the price and is it worth it?
At $96.86 per person, it offers a decent value considering the included breakfast, scenic views, and wildlife opportunities. If you enjoy relaxing mornings on the water, it’s a fair price.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Bring your camera for wildlife and scenic shots, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and perhaps a light jacket if you’re sensitive to wind.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I see whales?
Whale sightings are possible but depend on the season and weather. Many reviews mention dolphin sightings more frequently.

Is there a buffet or just a set menu?
The menu includes specific Hawaiian dishes like sweet taro bread French toast and loco moco, prepared onboard for breakfast.

What is the group size?
The boat can carry up to 100 travelers, so it’s a reasonably sized group, not overly crowded.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable morning activity.

How do I book?
You can book online in advance—most bookings are made about 25 days ahead—and you’ll receive a mobile ticket for easy access.

In the end, this cruise isn’t for everyone but can be a pleasant, low-key way to enjoy the waters of Waikiki with good food and wildlife sightings. If you’re after a peaceful start to your day and don’t mind the chance of cancellations, it’s worth keeping on your list.